University Recognizes Top Teachers, Researchers for 2016-17

Professors of art, engineering, social work and physical therapy were honored this spring as recipients of the university’s annual faculty achievement awards for teaching and scholarship.

At the undergraduate level, art’s Tim Timmerman and engineering’s Bob Hamilton were recognized as the top teacher and researcher, respectively, while at the graduate level social work’s Muh Bi Lin and physical therapy’s Jason Brumitt were honored with the corresponding awards.

Timmerman, who arrived at George Fox in 2002, specializes in teaching painting, sculpture, mixed media, contemporary art forms, drawing and art history. He also oversees the school’s Minthorne Gallery and the university’s art collection. “It is my desire that I help students develop their skill and proficiency as creators and makers in this world,” he says. “But moreover, it has been my hope that my students recognize and enflesh the truth that the arts are integral within all of life.”

Hamilton, a professor of physics since 2003, was honored for his research on the properties of waves formed by the interaction of the solar wind – the blast of charged particles from the sun – and the sun’s magnetic field. He finds inspiration from the students he works with. “Their insightful questions have often challenged me to rethink assumptions and methods for the better,” he says.

Since his arrival at George Fox in 2015, Lin has primarily taught social work courses related to community and organizational practice, as well as the integration of nationality, art and spirituality in practice. “I am very delighted to see many of the service-learning projects done by students have actually made an impact,” he says.

Brumitt’s research has centered on collecting data on collegiate athletes and using it to identify risk factors that may lead to injury prevention programs. Last year, he and his team focused on men’s basketball and exploring risk factors for jumper’s knee – a project that entailed the recruiting of nearly 100 male collegiate basketball players from around the Portland region.

“I am fortunate and blessed to be part of the School of Physical Therapy team,” he says. “The culture that was created by the founding team really enables us to pursue excellence in the classroom. I think it really benefits our students, having a faculty united in Christ, to guide their transformation from student to clinician.”